MINNEAPOLIS — Hospital staff in Minneapolis are raising alarms about the treatment of immigrant detainees after a recent incident involving Alberto Castañeda Mondragón, who sustained severe head injuries while in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Nurses and doctors at Hennepin County Medical Center questioned ICE's explanation that Mondragón had intentionally tried to escape by running into a brick wall.
According to hospital workers, Mondragón's injuries, which included eight skull fractures, did not align with ICE’s claims. Medical professionals point out that running headfirst into a wall could not cause the extensive damage seen. This incident, alongside growing concerns of ICE's presence in hospitals, has led to new protocols for healthcare staff.
As part of a crackdown on immigration, ICE agents have reportedly stayed for days at the bedsides of injured detainees, leading to fears among hospital staff. Many have opted to communicate through encrypted messages and avoid crossing paths with agents. The situation has raised significant ethical questions about the treatment of patients in hospitals, where healthcare should be prioritized over immigration enforcement.
In recent days, the court ordered Mondragón's release from ICE custody, yet his recovery remains uncertain. He suffers from memory loss and will need significant support moving forward, raising concerns regarding the repercussions of such high-stakes encounters for both detainees and healthcare workers alike.
